Andy Dales delighted with debut goal

Match-winner Andy Dales was delighted to grab his first goal for Scunthorpe on his debut for the club.

The winger netted a half-volley with nine minutes left to give the Iron a 2-1 victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on the opening day of the season.

Speaking to iFollow Iron about the goal, he said: “I took it on the half-volley and snuck it into the bottom corner.

“It is a team game. It was brilliant to get my goal, but to get three points against a good Coventry side was amazing.”

The Iron fell behind just after the restart, but Dales was always confident that they could turn it around: “We had the quality to come back and win 2-1, which shows that we can do it again in the future.”

The 23-year-old was lining up for Mickleover Sports last season and made a big step up to play League One football when he joined the Iron this summer.

“I’m used to playing in front of 300 people – normally I would run back to the halfway line after scoring, but it was a brilliant feeling celebrating in front of the travelling fans,” said Dales.

The attacker had been out of the EFL for four years, but admits he can still improve.

He said: “It is a massive step up and has big demands on your body, but there is no reason why I cannot compete with that level.

“I don’t think my performance was as good as I know can play, but it is about the team and getting the three points away at a good side.”

The Iron were backed by 772 travelling supporters at the Ricoh Arena and the goalscorer was full of praise for them.

He added: “I have heard from the lads that we have got a great following and to bring just under 800 all the way to Coventry shows how good our fans are.

“They were chanting throughout the game and the reaction to the goal was great.”

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